Zambia and South Africa kicked off their U23 African Cup of Nations campaign with a 0-0 draw in Cairo on Saturday in which both sides were guilty of missing some easy opportunities. Both sides had their fair share of chances in an end-to-end first half, with their wastefulness letting them down. South Africa's best chance fell to Happy Mashiane after 26 minutes when his free header missed the target. Zambia spurned a glorious chance immediately after Mashiane's miss, with Lameck Banda firing high over with the goal gaping after a Biston Banda was spilled into his path. In stark contrast to an enterprising first half, the second period was a bore affair, with neither side creating much. Zambia and South Africa have one point each, with Cote d'Ivoire topping Group B with three points following their 1-0 win over Nigeria earlier in the day. The top three in the tournament will qualify for next year's Olympic Games in Tokyo. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)